North suburban school district reorganizations

Tara Fisher was elected president and Kevin Mahler, vice-president. Mrs. Fisher had been acting president since March.

Seven of nine members were sworn into office by District Judge William Wagner, the large number occurring because of two-year terms resulting from resignations. Returning incumbents are Mr. Mahler, Libby Blackburn, Michael Meyer and Richard McClure. Mr. Meyer and Mr. McClure had been appointed to fill vacancies, and Mr. Mahler was originally elected to a two-year term. New members are Christopher Disque, Suzanne Filiaggi and Christopher Finley.

Christopher Jacobs did not seek re-election, and Joseph Greenberg and 20-year veteran Maureen Grosheider were defeated in their re-election bids. Most of the successful candidates had been endorsed by Save NA Schools, a group formed three years ago to fight larger elementary class sizes and the potential closing of Peebles Elementary School.

North Allegheny superintendent lauds parents and students

The annual Report of Student Achievement gives the North Allegheny School District “much to celebrate,” but substitute superintendent Robert Scherrer was quick to give credit, not just to district employees, but also to parents and the students themselves.

“We thank you for all your efforts each and every day,” Mr. Scherrer said during the board’s Dec. 2 reorganization meeting. “We focus on the whole child and strive to support each student academically, emotionally and socially, allowing each student to find success in a changing world.”

Substitute Superintendent Robert Scherrer of North Allegheny School District pursues public input on how his schools are performing.

He hosts monthly forums with parents, convenes regularly with business professionals and faith-based leaders, and asks committees of students, parents and community members to guide major decisions such as a plan to equip 2,100 students with iPads or laptops.

“When you start to talk to kids and parents,” said Scherrer, who oversees 12 schools centered in the McCandless area, “then you see it through their eyes, and it allows us to get better at what we do.”

That’s why Scherrer and his administrative team recognize the value in a nationwide K-12 school ranking by Shadyside-based Niche.com Inc.